Previous Events
Autumn Vibes ’24
It was a golden Sunday afternoon, and the Autumn Vibes were light and lively in the Community Garden for our second annual Autumn Vibes gathering. We were delighted to welcome Fort Smith Mayor George McGill and are grateful to all the neighbors, friends, and...
We’re Knocking on Doors!
On Sunday, October 13th two Climate League teams visited 40 homes near the 7th Street community garden in Fort Smith. The teams invited folks to attend our Autumn Vibes: Community Garden Gathering on Sunday, October 20th. "Neighbors are very happy that the garden is...
We’re Bringing More Solar to Fort Smith!
On October 8th we were thrilled to be joined at Antioch for Youth and Family by Fort Smith Mayor George McGill, Stephen Walker of Stitt Solar, Antioch Director Isaac Salazar, Antioch volunteers, and local climate advocates to hoist our People Power Team's Community...
River Valley Green Energy and Education Seminar Was Packed!
(Pictured Joshua Robertson, the City’s Director of Sustainability and Citizen Services) The Climate League, UAFS, The Center for Economic Development and City of Fort Smith co-hosted the dynamic River Valley Green Energy and Education Seminar held at the UAFS Center...
We Were Honored to Speak At This Regional Event
At the end of September Climate League Board Chair Jo Elsken and Outreach Coordinator Herbert McGill traveled to Galveston to speak at the Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) Third Coast Plus Regional Conference. They joined advocates from Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi...
We Love Community Connections!
Our Arkansas Climate League energy efficiency and kite-flying booth was a huge hit for the second year in a row at September's Celebration for Community Connections held at Fort Smith's Darby Middle School! "Our table was still growing strong when others were packing...
People Power Project
We’re honored and excited to announce that the Arkansas Climate League’s People Power Team has been awarded an additional $100,000 via the Department of Energy’s Community Energy Innovation Prize. Our Fort Smith centered People Power Project is delivering community...
Supporting Community Health
We had a great time hosting a simple art table for kids at the Lavaca Health Fairs on August 10th and 12th. While adults waited to visit with healthcare providers, we chatted about collaborating for sustainability and provided sons and daughters with sheets for...
Climate League, McGill Center and Antioch Partner on LiHEAP Application Help and Energy Efficiency Kit Giveaway.
On July 10th the generosity of Climate League donors, super volunteers and valuable partners was in full motion at Antioch for Youth and Family in Fort Smith. Together we helped individuals from 20 households apply for utility assistance, provided a hands-on home...
Make A Climate Leader’s Day Summer Scholarship Campaign
Talking about heat-trapping pollution and building momentum for change, especially in a place like Arkansas, is hard. Being with peers and diving deep into engagement skills is empowering and often life-changing. That's why we've launched our summer scholarship...
We Loved Being Part of AEEA’s 2024 Environmental and Outdoor Education Conference
When we submitted our presentation proposal (Promoting Energy Efficiency and Greenspace Revitalizaton: A Holistic Neighborhood Approach)to the Arkansas Environmental Education Associationearlier this year, we knew our intersectional focus on food insecurity, energy...
Solar Contract Signed!
Our People Power Community Energy Innovation Prize project took a big step forward when the McGill Center and Stitt Group signed a solar installation contract. Bringing the green energy transition to low income Fort Smith neighborhoods is central to our Prize...
Save the Date: Autumn Vibes 2024
Mark your calendar: On October 17th, our dear friends Dr. John and Leah Lane will be hosting Autumn Vibes 2024, a Fort Smith House Party, benefitting the Climate League. I hope you'll Save the Date and then join me at this meaningful gathering for satisfying food...
Monday, April 15th: Community Dinner and Information Fair at the McGill Center
We’re thrilled to sponsor a community dinner at Fort Smith’s McGill Center from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on April 15th. McGill Center Director and Climate League Outreach Leader Herbert McGill will be introducing the Climate League’s Resource Center, which is up and running...
Community Energy Innovation Prize Concept Phase Winners
We are delighted to announce that the Arkansas Climate League's People Power Team is one of the Community Energy Innovation Prize Concept Phase Winners. Our project - People Power: Energy Security | Ownership focuses on bringing the benefits of clean energy to Fort...
Community Garden Collaboration!
Wednesday is garden day! Climate League volunteers are joining with students and staff from Fort Smith's Future School to reinvigorate a northside community garden. The garden was established by Antioch for Youth and Family prior to the pandemic and is ripe for...
We Have a Winner!
Everyone who contributed to our 2023 Autumn Vibes $5000 matching campaign was entered into a drawing for a gorgeous resin figurine generously donated by artist and Climate League Board Member Shelley Buonaituo. Our winner is Kathy Jarvis of Fort Smith! Kathy is a...
Sunday, April 7th: Neighborhood Walk and Community Garden Picnic
Climate League and McGill Center volunteers will be visiting with neighbors surrounding the northside Fort Smith 7th street/8th street community garden and engaging in conversations about the community garden to build interest and engagement. We’ll also be inviting...
Our Resource Center is Open!
We're thrilled! On Sunday February 4th dozens of folks stopped by the Elizabeth McGill Drop-In Center in Fort Smith for the celebratory opening of the Arkansas Climate League Resource Center. Herbert McGill Director of the McGill Center and Outreach Coordinator for...
Climate League Co-Hosts Eighth Annual Environmental Policy Summit
On November 16th, Climate League members joined our coalition partners in welcoming nearly 100 Arkansans to the 8th Annual Arkansas Environmental Policy Summit held at Hendrix College in Conway. The Summit's keynote speaker was Gerardo Acosta - leader of the...
Climate League Welcomes Part-Time Outreach Leader
We love our donors. Their vision and generosity has enabled us to reach a longstanding goal of hiring a Fort Smith Outreach Leader. Please join us in welcoming Herbie McGill to this part-time role, kicking off in 2024. As a current member of the Climate League...
Kites Galore at Celebrating Community Connections
So many smiles! Wind and whimsy! Saturday September 16th a trio of Climate League Board members (Shelley Buonaiuto, Jo Elsken and Herbie McGill) set up a kite-creation table at Celebration of Community Connections in Fort Smith. In addition to helping kids get...
Celebrating Autumn Vibes
We had so much fun! On the evening of Thursday, October 12th a powerful mix of Arkansans gathered at the home of John and Leah Lane (pictured center) to network, learn about the Climate League's grassroots work and enjoy a gorgeous autumn evening. Fort Smith City...
Arkansas Climate League collaborates on 8th Annual Arkansas Environmental Policy Summit
Thanks to Audubon Delta for this eye-catching photo! Did you know that Registration is open for the 8th Annual Arkansas Environmental Policy Summit? The Summit will be held at Hendrix College in Conway on Thursday, November 16th from 9:00 - 3:00 p.m. We are honored...
Dumas Playground Closer to Completion!
In 2022 Arkansas Climate League Donors stepped up and contributed over $2000 to our "So Kids Can Run and Play Campaign" in support of the Dumas, Arkansas, playground project led by Onie Norman, a longtime community organizer and friend of The Arkansas Climate League. ...
See You at Community Connections!
On Saturday, September 16th from 10 - 1 p.m. Arkansas Climate League volunteers will host an interactive educational table at Celebration for Community Connections. Located at Darby Middle School, this free event is sponsored by Fort Smith Public Schools. Our focus...
Party with a Purpose!
Join us at the Fort Smith home of Arkansas Climate League friends John and Leah Lane on Thursday, October 12 for Autumn Vibes. Drop in from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and experience a delightful evening as we celebrate and grow The Arkansas Climate League's grassroots work for...
ScholarshIp Recipients Report Back
The Arkansas climate movement has gained two highly skilled, dynamic climate advocates! In mid June Shannie Jackson of Conway (left) and Shannon Farhat of Barling (right) attended the two-day Citizens' Climate Education Conference in Washington D.C. It takes a...
Climate League Welcomes Two New Board Members
The Arkansas Climate League is delighted to announce that Jo Elsken and Corey White have joined the Arkansas Climate League Board. These two dynamic individuals share a passion for expanding green energy access and have deep roots in the Fort Smith community. Corey...
McGill Center Luncheon Focuses on Home Weatherization
On May 19, we returned to Fort Smith's Elizabeth McGill Center to host another Community Luncheon. It was a lively and informative event! Thirty or so local residents, including Climate League Volunteers, enjoyed a full meal, conversation, and even spontaneous...
2023 Cinco De Mayo
Arkansas Climate League volunteers handed out weatherization and energy bill assistance information at Fort Smith's May 7th Cinco De Mayo Festival. Held at Fort Smith park, the community gathering brought together food vendors, musicians, artisans, healthcare...
May’s Monthly Community Luncheon
On May 19th the Arkansas Climate League will host the monthly community Luncheon at the Elizabeth McGill Center in Fort Smith. Join us at 11:00 a.m. for good food and conversation about green energy and energy efficiency. The McGill Center is located at 521 Sixth...
Climate League Partners to Deliver The Seventh Annual Arkansas Environmental Policy Summit
Collaborations build allies and deliver results. For the second year in a row, The Climate League joined other Arkansas environmental and policy organizations in putting on the Arkansas Environmental Policy Summit. In addition to being involved in foundational planning and sharing in logistical expenses, The Climate League collaborated on organizing two breakout panels: “The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” and “Climate and Public Health”. Throughout the planning process,, we proceeded with an eye to highlighting issues and opportunities relevant to low-income families and struggling Arkansas communities and diversifying the core planning team and panelists.
RV-GEEP Workshop Oct 2022
On October 20 nearly seventy Arkansans filled the UAFS Economic Development Center for a day of learning and networking at our River Valley Green Energy and Education Workshop. Topics included: the expansion of solar in Arkansas, energy insecurity in the River Valley, home weatherization, financing solar energy, community solar and more.
KUAF Ozarks At Large Interview
In late August Ozarks At Large host Kyle Kellams’ sat down with Climate League Board Members Paulette Meikle and Robert McAfee, along with Herbert McGill (Director of Fort Smith’s McGill Center), and Dr. Latisha Settlage (Dean of the UAFS School of Business and Industry).
Visit to Dumas – Spring 2022
A healthy climate takes many forms. In early 2022, Onie Norman, a longtime community organizer and friend of The Climate League, told us about her intention to secure playground equipment for a park in her Dumas neighborhood, a community resource she’s been nurturing for years. The park is a welcoming green space featuring large trees and a few benches. It is owned by the local Youth Improvement Club (YIC) and is adjacent to an elementary school, which does not have an adequate playground for the students – most of whom are African American.
Lunch at the McGill Center June 2022
The Climate League is on the forefront of fostering climate change education and clean energy conversations in Arkansas communities often left out of these vital discussions. On Friday, June 17th, we sponsored the monthly community luncheon at Fort Smith’s McGill Center. The gathering drew together neighborhood residents and League volunteers. The shared meal created openings for exchanging personal stories and local concerns and aspirations.
Let’s Talk About a Just Energy Transition
On Wednesday, November 17, 2021 The Climate League hosted an online discussion focussed on the why, what and how of climate justice and the shift away from fossil fuels. Panelist Dr. Paulette Meikle (UAFS Fort Smith Associate Dean/League Board Member), Joanna Person-Michener (Arkansas licensed climate-informed therapist ) and Shelley Buonaiuto (Artist/League Board Member) anchored the discussion and took questions from the zoom audience.
Sixth Annual Arkansas Environmental Policy Summit
The League was delighted to partner with the Arkansas Public Policy Panel, Audubon Delta, and the Arkansas Chapter of the Sierra Club on the 6th Annual Arkansas Environmental Policy Summit. Due to lingering pandemic concerns the Summit was held online on Friday, November 5th.
“Taking Care of the Earth, Each Other & Ourselves” Panel
The Arkansas Citizens’ Climate League hosted a virtual Earth Day panel discussion titled “Taking Care of the Earth, Each Other, and Ourselves” from April 22, 2020 (Earth Day) via Zoom.
Dealing with the Climate Challenge in South Arkansas
In January 2020 Climate League board members and staff showed up to support Citizens’ Climate Education volunteers who delivered an interactive climate presentation to the Public Policy Panel’s lead grassroots organizers. The organizers arrived from communities across south Arkansas for a gathering in Monticello.